association 2020awards& scholarships

38 Volume 83 • Number 3

The National Environmental Health Associa-tion (NEHA) recognizes individuals, along with organizations, who have devoted themselves to quality within the fi eld of environmental health. The 2020 award and scholarship recipients represent a breadth of notable people from students conducting valuable research and midcareer profes-sionals working to keep communities safe in unprecedented times, to stalwarts in the profession who have made countless con-tributions to the profession over the years.

While we were not able to celebrate these deserving award winners in person as we normally do at our Annual Educational Con-ference (AEC) & Exhibition, we are proud to honor them through the Journal of Environ-mental Health. The following individuals and groups accepted awards or scholarships from NEHA and our partner organizations in 2020.

AEHAP Student Research CompetitionSwade Barned and Steven Mills,Eastern Kentucky University

Lana Sexton and Amber Turner,Eastern Kentucky University

Paige Tolleson, Montana State University

Adam Vang, East Carolina University

The Association of Environmental Health Academic Programs (AEHAP) invites environ-mental health students enrolled in National Environmental Health Science and Protection Accreditation Council (EHAC)-accredited pro-grams to enter the AEHAP Student Research Competition. The 2020 winning submissions received $1,000 and the opportunity to at-tend the NEHA 2021 AEC.

Davis Calvin Wagner Sanitarian AwardSheila Davidson Pressley, DrPH, CPH, DAAS, REHS, HHS

The Davis Calvin Wagner Sanitarian Award represents the highest honor the American Academy of Sanitarians (AAS) bestows upon a diplomate. The award is granted for exceptional leadership ability, professional commitment, outstanding resourcefulness, dedication, and achievements in advancing the sanitarian profession and public health programs. The 2020 Wagner Award was given posthumously to Dr. Sheila David-son Pressley. Dr. Pressley was a professor at Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) in the Department of Environmental Health. Throughout her career, she advanced through the ranks of assistant, associate, and full professor, positively infl uencing the profession and the lives of countless students and young professionals.

Dr. Pressley helped lead the National Environmental Health Diversity Recruitment Task Force, a collaborative effort between EKU and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. She helped expand the vision countrywide through the National Council on Diversity in Environmental

Health. In 2014, Dr. Pressley became the Master of Public Health Program direc-tor for the College of Health Sciences at EKU. She continued to progress, ultimately becoming dean, leading eight departments, and excelling as an administrator. Dr. Press-ley truly refl ected qualities that are in keep-ing with the fi nest traditions of the sanitarian and environmental health profession.

HUD Secretary’s Awards for Healthy Homes The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary’s Awards for Health Homes honor outstand-ing local programs and research that promote healthier housing through partner-ing, outreach, and innovative practices. On behalf of HUD, the Offi ce of Lead Hazard Control and Health Homes and NEHA collaborate in this competition, based on a shared vision of creating better homes across the health, environment, and hous-ing sectors. The following organizations received this award in 2020

Housing Authority of Jackson County, Medford, Oregon—Livewell: Active for Life (Cross-Program)The Housing Authority of Jackson County created a supportive resident services program model, providing central hubs focused on the specifi c needs of their low-income populations. This project was designed to provide easier access to age-friendly and healthier lifestyle opportunities focused on physical, mental, and social health. It also provides more opportunities for on-site volunteer work while creating an improved living environment and produces more social connectedness.

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2020 Awards &


ScholarshipsRecognizing Excellence in the Environmental Health Profession

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October 2020 • Journal of Environmental Health 39

LifeSTEPS, Sacramento, California—Housing Plus Services: RN Coaching, (Multifamily Housing)This project recognized the need to adjust our systems and policies for older adult health for fi nancial sustainability and to support aging with dignity. Residents from backgrounds of poverty typically lack adequate health literacy skills and support to manage their chronic conditions and their acute and long-term care needs. They also need access to on-site relationships marked by trust, caring, and accountabil-ity. By providing health assessments and consultations to older adult residents in real time and from where they live, vulnerable residents are supported to manage their chronic conditions and overall health.

Asian Pacifi c Self-Development Residential Association, Stockton, California—Community Health Connections (Public Housing)The Asian Pacifi c Self-Development Residential Association is an association of Cambodian refugees that self-manages a 209-unit, HUD-subsidized, affordable hous-ing property in Stockton, California. The project attained three key goals: 1) culturally competent health education opportunities increased outreach and increased health-care access for at-risk and underserved populations; 2) support and trust from community leaders increased, empowering

the Community Health Connections to work with families to learn about health problems and fi nd the best solutions; and 3) healthy behaviors and active living increased so that clients with diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, obesity, and other health conditions demonstrated measurable im-provement after participation in this project.

Home Forward, Portland, Oregon—Radon Testing and Mitigation in Public Housing (Policy Innovation)Home Forward worked to develop precise radon testing, retesting, and notifi cation guidelines and procedures to reduce exposure to radon. Home Forward has committed itself to lowering hazardous exposure and improving the lives of its residents. These efforts will reduce the overall risk of lung cancer for adults living and working in its properties. For children growing up in public housing, the impact could be far more signifi cant with in-creased quality of life due to the reduction of respiratory illnesses, such as asthma, and a greatly reduced chance to develop lung cancer later in life.

The University of Massachusetts, Lowell, Massachusetts—Home Environmental Interventions to Improve the Health of Older Adults (Research)This research project’s goal was to conduct multifaceted home environmental interven-tions involving low-income older adults

with asthma and evaluate the effectiveness of these interventions in improving health outcomes and reducing environmental asthma triggers. The results yielded statisti-cally signifi cant reductions in self-reported environmental asthma triggers with health improvements found in doctor visits, use of antibiotics for chest problems, respira-tory symptoms, and quality of life indica-tors. Public housing authorities, owners, and managers of privately owned assisted housing can use study fi ndings to improve their maintenance and operational practices for older adult housing.

Joe Beck Educational Contribution AwardMilton Morris, MPH, PhD, REHS, DAAS

The Joe Beck Educational Contribution Award is given to a NEHA member for an educational contribution designed for the advancement and professional

development of environmental health professionals. The innovation created by Dr. Milton Morris, director of the Environ-mental Health Science Program at

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Rogue River Estates resident volunteers are shown in front of the weekly ACCESS Mobile Food Market truck, Housing Authority of Jackson County, Livewell: Active for Life.

A registered nurse coach teaches residents to successfully manage and control their blood pressure, LifeSTEPS, Housing Plus Services: RN Coaching.

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Benedict College, consisted of providing creative education and training to hundreds of mostly minority students. The students received electronic training on zoonotic diseases and environmental disasters. The innovative part of the project consisted of identifying motivated students. They extended their learning by researching specifi c zoonotic diseases, emerging pathogens, and environmental disasters, and then presented their fi ndings through competitively evaluated research presentations.

Dr. Morris has served as the director of the Environmental Health Science Program at Benedict College in South Carolina since 1989. He has been a member of NEHA for 32 years. Dr. Morris served in the U.S. Army and has held leadership positions in several professional organizations. He retired from the Medical Service Corps of the U.S. Army Reserves with the rank of lieutenant colonel.

NEHA/AAS ScholarshipConnor Henderson, Western Carolina University, Undergraduate Recipient

Amanda Ruckey, Montana State University, Undergraduate Recipient

Summer Holloway, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Graduate Recipient

NEHA and AAS partner to offer scholar-ships to deserving environmental health students. The purpose of the scholarship program is to encourage students to com-mit to a career in environmental health and to inspire past and present graduates to pursue postgraduate studies in environ-mental health sciences. Every year one graduate student is awarded $2,500 and two undergraduate students are awarded $2,250.

NEHA Affi liate Certifi cates of MeritCertifi cates of Merit are awarded to affi li-ate members and teams who have made exemplary contributions to the profession. Each affi liate selects winners based upon its own criteria for recognition. The 2020 recipients are:

Individuals

Michael Boudreau, Massachusetts Environmental Health Association

Zachary Ehrlich, New Jersey Environmental Health Association

Carey Panier,Illinois Environmental Health Association

Don Simmons,Iowa Environmental Health Association

Erik Solie,Minnesota Environmental Health Association

Team

Virginia Department of Health Commissioner’s Offi ce and Local Health Department EmployeesThe Virginia Environmental Health Associa-tion recognizes the Virginia Department of Health Commissioner’s Offi ce and all local health department employees for their contributions, service, and dedication in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Em-ployees throughout the Virginia Department of Health and local health districts have been adapting to ongoing changes and responsi-bilities every day of the pandemic. Whether conducting contact trace investigations, collecting data, handling logistics, or being an ear to people in need, local health depart-ments have continually connected with healthcare experts, frontline professionals, fi rst responders, and the public to continue to protect their communities.

NEHA Past Presidents AwardJason Marion, PhD, Associate Professor, Eastern Kentucky University

Henroy Scarlett, DrPH, REHS, Lecturer, University of the West Indies, Jamaica

Sylvanus Thompson, PhD, Associate Director, Toronto Public Health, Canada

The 2020 recipients of the Past Presidents Award have worked tirelessly to promote international cooperation within the West-ern Hemisphere. They have strengthened the relationship between the Jamaican Association of Public Health Inspectors, Canadian Institute of Public Health Inspec-tors, and NEHA. They have promoted at-tendance at the NEHA AEC by environmen-tal health professionals from Canada and

the Caribbean. They have also encouraged public health inspectors in Jamaica to sit for NEHA’s Registered Environmental Health Specialist/Registered Sanitarian exam.

Together they planned and promoted the One Health, One Global Environment Conference held in Montego Bay, Jamaica. The conference was cohosted by Eastern Kentucky University and the University of the West Indies and was attended by more than 400 health practitioners and academ-ics spanning six continents. It was the fi rst-ever conference dedicated to One Health. Drs. Marion, Scarlett, and Thompson have also attended several International Federa-tion of Environmental Health conferences as representatives of the Western Hemi-sphere where they shared best practices with environmental health professionals from around the world.

NEHA Presidential CitationsThis special award is given to individuals who have made exemplary contributions to NEHA during the president’s term of offi ce. NEHA President Dr. Priscilla Oliver is presenting Presidential Citations to the following individuals:

Seth Arends

Dowit Berhe

Dr. D. Gary Brown

Dr. Norbert Campbell

Brian Collins

Lindsi Darnell

Dr. Natasha DeJarnett

Dr. Gerald L. Durley

Dr. David Dyjack

Alicia Enriquez Collins

DaJuane M. Harris

Dr. Carolyn Harvey

Stan Hazan

Gwendolyn Johnson

Leisha Kidd Brooks

Angelica Ledezma

Marissa Mills

Dr. Wendell Moore

George Nakamura

Terrance A. Powell

Dr. Sheila D. Pressley

Larry Ramdin

Dr. Welford Roberts

Kristen Ruby-Cisneros

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Dr. Henroy Scarlett

Dr. Derek G. Shendell

Christopher Sparks

Rowan Stephens

John A. Steward

Cynthia Talbot and Miss Daisy

Jacqueline E. Taylor

Dr. Sylvanus Thompson

Gail Vail

Dr. Leon Vinci

Dr. Raphael G. Warnock

NSF International ScholarMatthew Biven, Eastern Kentucky University

AEHAP, in partnership with NSF Interna-tional, offers a paid internship project to students from EHAC-accredited programs. The NSF International Scholar Program is an opportunity for an undergraduate student to gain valuable experience in the environmental health fi eld. The 2020 scholar received $3,500 and the opportu-nity to attend the 2021 NEHA AEC.

Samuel J. Crumbine Consumer Protection Award

Southern Nevada Health District

This prestigious award is named for one of America’s most renowned

health offi cers and health educators, Samuel J. Crumbine, MD. The Crumbine Award encourages innovative programs and methods that reduce or eliminate foodborne illnesses, recognizes the importance of food protection at the local level, and stimulates public interest in food service sanitation. This award is given annually to local environmental health jurisdictions that demonstrate unsurpassed achievement in providing outstanding food protection services to their communities.

The 2020 Crumbine Award recipient, Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD), is one of the largest local public health or-ganizations in the U.S. SNHD serves more than 2.2 million residents, representing 72% of Nevada’s total population. Additionally, SNHD is charged with safeguarding the

public health of more than 42 million visitors to Las Vegas each year. SNHD employs an inclusive and wide-ranging approach to engaging community partners to keep food safe for consumption by a large population.

Walter F. Snyder Environmental Health AwardJoseph Cotruvo, PhD, BCES

For nearly 50 years, NEHA and NSF International have presented the Walter F. Snyder Award to recognize public health professionals who safeguard the air we breathe, the water we drink, the

food we eat, and our environment. The Snyder Award honors NSF International’s cofounder and fi rst executive director, Walter F. Snyder, who provided outstanding contributions to environmental and public health advancement. Dr. Cotruvo received the award in recognition of over 45 years of steadfast service to environmental and public health through leadership, teamwork, and consensus national standards development.

Dr. Cotruvo’s accomplishments as a clean water crusader include 23 years as direc-tor of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Criteria and Standards Division in the Offi ce of Drinking Water, and as director of the Risk Assessment Division in Toxic Chemicals. He also worked for 4 years at NSF International, fi rst as a senior regula-tory executive and later as vice president of environmental health sciences, where he helped to advance the NSF/World Health Organization Collaborating Center for Drink-ing Water. He then established the profes-sional environmental consulting fi rm, Joseph Cotruvo & Associates.

Dr. Cotruvo chairs the American Academy of Environmental Engineers and Scientists’ Excellence in Environmental Engineering and Science Award committee. He’s an Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achieve-ment honoree and past president of the Inter-American Association of Environmental and Sanitation Engineering. He has served as associate editor and later, was on the editorial board of the American Water Works Association’s Journal AWWA. Dr. Cotruvo is

an adjunct professor in the Departments of Chemistry and Environmental Sciences at the University of Toledo.

Upon receiving the Snyder Award, Dr. Co-truvo said, “I am truly honored and humbled to have received the 2020 Walter F. Snyder Award. Our country’s overall public health status has signifi cantly improved over time but novel issues continue to arise that chal-lenge health professionals’ abilities to reduce societal health risks. I feel our essential role as environmental and public health profes-sionals is at least partly to assure that the issues are appropriately prioritized and addressed by the science and facts. One of our essential roles is to communicate those facts to galvanize public support to solve the problems that need solving.”

Walter S. Mangold Award

Carolyn Hester Harvey, MS, PhD, RS, CIH, CHMM

The Walter S. Mangold Award recognizes and honors individuals for outstanding contribu-tions to environmental health professional advancement. It is the highest honor that NEHA can bestow on one of its members.

Dr. Harvey received the Mangold Award because she embodies the values as-sociated with Walter S. Mangold’s legacy. Documentation of Dr. Harvey’s achieve-ments was compiled and submitted by the Kentucky Environmental Health Associa-tion (KYEHA) to a committee of judges who have themselves received this award. KYEHA Executive Board members praised Dr. Harvey for advancing the knowledge base of environmental health practitioners in Kentucky and beyond through her work as an educator and a mentor: “Dr. Carolyn Harvey dedicated her 50+ year career to promoting environmental and occupa-tional health science. From working in the industry to educating future environmental health science professionals, Dr. Harvey

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Exhibitor RegistrationOpens October 1!

MEET FACE-TO-FACE WITH YOUR TARGET MARKET!

• Demonstrate your products and servicesto a broad environmental health audience.

• Build relationships with environmental health professionals to increase your bottom-line.

Register now:neha.org/aec/exhibition

CALL FOR ABSTRACTS

LAST CHANCE TO HELP ADVANCE YOUR ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PROFESSION!

Deadline for abstract submissions is October 2.

Submit your abstract now:neha.org/aec/abstracts

ATTENDEE REGISTRATION OPENS DECEMBER 1

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highlighted the importance of sanitarians to our communities. Through her involvement in NEHA, KYEHA, EHAC, and AEHAP, she has mentored countless emerging profes-sionals and has volunteered countless hours toward improving our profession. The KYEHA Executive Board counts itself lucky to call Dr. Harvey a friend.”

Dr. Harvey began her career in academia as an assistant professor of environmental health at East Tennessee State Univer-sity. There she taught industrial hygiene, ventilation, solid/hazardous waste, and air pollution in both the undergraduate and graduate programs. In 2001, Dr. Harvey left East Tennessee State University to join the Department of Environmental Health Science and Medical Laboratory Science faculty at Eastern Kentucky University (EKU). At EKU she directed the Master

of Public Health Program (MPH) from 2009–2014, held the full professor’s rank, and became department chair. She taught graduate courses in ventilation, industrial hygiene, and toxicology in the Environ-mental Health and MPH Programs. Dr. Harvey retired from active teaching at EKU on January 1, 2017.

The Mangold Award is a highlight for Dr. Harvey, who has already received several prestigious awards, published dozens of professional articles, and held leader-ship positions in multiple environmental health associations. Dr. Harvey has been a member of NEHA for almost 25 years, has served as a technical editor for the Journal of Environmental Health since 2011, and held the position of NEHA president from 2014–2015.

The NEHA Board of Directors, staff, and Mangold Award Selection Committee are honored to award Dr. Carolyn Harvey the 2020 Walter S. Mangold Award. In the words of 2011 Mangold Award recipient CAPT Craig A. Shepherd, “As the 2020 Walter S. Mangold Award Committee Chair, I was so pleased to see a nomina-tion submitted for Dr. Carolyn H. Harvey. Dr. Harvey has devoted more than 50 years of her life to the environmental health profession. Her professionalism, numer-ous individual achievements, contributions made toward improving our profession, her active involvement in NEHA and state associations, and the professional positions she has held, coupled with her education, made her most worthy and de-serving of being recognized as this year’s Mangold Award recipient.”

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